Tag: read

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Book Reviews Books Genre Reading

Anomaly by Krista McGee: The Idea That Was Better Than the Execution

Estimated Reading Time: 4min

If you mix Divergent with Whisper (Lynette Noni) and Uglies (Scott Westerfield) you might come up with something close to describing this book – if they were written as Christian books. Let’s take a look at Anomaly by Krista McGee.

Anomaly

Decades before Thalli’s birth, the world was decimated by a nuclear war. But life continued deep underground, thanks to a handful of scientists known as The Ten. There they created genetically engineered human beings who are free of emotions in the hope that war won’t threaten the world again.

Thalli is an anomaly, born with the ability to feel emotions and a sense of curiosity she can barely contain. She has survived so far by hiding her differences. But then her secret is discovered when she’s overwhelmed by the emotion of an ancient piece of music.

The Ten quickly schedule her annihilation, but her childhood friend, Berk–a scientist being groomed by The Ten–convinces them to postpone her death and study her instead. While in the Scientists’ Pod, Thalli and Berk form a dangerous alliance, one strictly forbidden by the constant surveillance.

Grab the book Here

Content Warnings

Graphic: confinement, Medical Trauma
Moderate: Genocide, Gaslighting, Murder

My Review

Create a world that is full of atheists that are genetically modifying people and don’t allow any sort of emotions (or even a little case of the sniffles) and thrown in capital punishment, except the ‘punishment’ is only because they don’t like or trust you… yeah, that was pretty much this world.
Thalli was a character we got to explore this with as she more and more allowed herself to feel. Feeling is dangerous, and can lead to problems… so that can’t be allowed. While I understand that idea, and where that fed into the plot and setup of this dystopian world and book, I don’t know if it quite landed for me. It was well written, and the characters made sense, but there was just something about it all that felt…. flat. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t amazing.The Christian themes and content was pretty obvious and not afraid to hide. While it mostly felt pretty smooth, some of it (especially the ‘come to Jesus moment/s) felt a little much. I feel that way in most books that are a ‘convert to Christianity’ type of moment though – it’s hard to write that on page when it is such an emotional and spiritual process (go figure).
I found that for some of the story things moved slowly, and I was bored. I wonder if as the series continues, it would feel like a better pace now that we aren’t slowly discovering the world around you is different than you thought and/or you are constantly on a razors edge of being killed.

Would I Recommend This Book?

If you like Christian fiction, and don’t mind some pretty obvious messaging, and you’re a teenager… yes. I would. While I was definitely not the target audience for this one, I do see how many may enjoy this story and mystery to continue the series. It’s a 3 book commitment, but I would say yes to recommending this book.

Similar Books You Might Like

If you are thinking what kind of books would have similar feel, themes or content, here is a list that you can consider:

  • Divergent (Veronica Roth)
  • Whisper (Lynette Noni)
  • Uglies (Scott Westerfield)
  • A Time To Die (Nadine Brandes)

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Book Challenges Book Reviews Books

Books About Writers: Why I Expected More Than I Got (And What Actually Worked)

Writers writing books about writing is a little…. heavy handed at times. But, there’s just something about reading a behind the curtain story, and that’s what books about writers are. So, here are some books about writers that I’ve read!

Yellowface (R.F. Kuang)

I was invested from page one for this book and the increased unhinged mind of the main character grew until the very end of the story in a believable way without being too trite.
The commentary on race wasn’t too in your face, and seemed quite natural in this story and setting.

Grab the book Here

How To Plot A Payback (Melissa Ferguson)

ferguson

Even without the reference to my favourite movie of all time, similarities to Friends (Neighbours.. I mean come on haha), and writer characters, I still would have loved this story.
The tv show element was really fun, and Lavender was not what I was expecting from the description. The characters themselves were great, and I loved seeing them interact and react.
Can I also say, no third act conflict or misunderstanding blah blah was so refreshing! I loved this. Things felt real and even though Lavender was a little push over ish, I know people like that so it still felt pretty authentic to the character.
It was fun, engaging, witty, romantic without being sappy, just good times all around.

Grab the book Here

Meet Me In The Margins (Melissa Ferguson)

ferguson

I didn’t care that this book was somewhat predictable, because I had so much fun reading it.
The characters had great chemistry, they were flawed but willing to do something when they had a chance, and there was all the drama!
I love books about readers and writers, so this was IT for me. Editors meeting in the margins over the course of a month and working on a book? Yes!
There was a lot of really funny but genuine moments, and the BANTER was just so great. Melissa wrote this book with a great flow and it was easy to speed through and stay up way too late just to finish it!

Grab the book Here

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck (Bethany Turner)

turner

Okay, Bethany Turner is now one of my favourite authors.
This was hilarious, heart warming, swoon worthy and so beautifully written.
The topic of sex before marriage for Christians has always and will always be a “hot topic” so to speak, and I think Bethany handled it so brilliantly. It isn’t an easy thing to strive for, and you can have romance in a relationship without that part and it still be steamy. It is also something that walks the line in books, movies and tv shows for a lot of Christians as well.
This was absolutely a story that needed to be told and it was SO STINKING CUTE!
Love, love, loved it

Grab the book Here

By Any Other Name (Lauren Kate)

Funny, great hook and so much qwirky characteristics you almost roll your eyes (and forgive it right away).
I enjoyed Noah and Lanie’s story, I liked seeing the editor and writer dynamics, but I would have enjoyed a longer ending that was a little more fleshed out and explored.
I actually also would love to read Noa Calloway’s eleventh book, so thanks Lauren for dangling bait that I can’t ever eat in front of me 😛
It was a fun read.

Grab the book Here

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Writing

It’s Day 7 of Writing a Romance In A Week… Is It Ready?

Well, it’s day 7… so is Hard Hats and Mixed Signals being released today? Short answer is… No. The long answer is, even though the manuscript is technically ‘finished’ there are still some rough edges and additional scenes that need to be added.

In my exploration of using ProWritingAid, and even though it’s not a substitute for human feedback, the manuscript report pointed out some VERY GOOD things that really need to be addressed before the book can be released. So important, in fact, that I’m willing to say that even though Hard Hats & Mixed Signals was technically ‘written’ in 7 days, it’s not being published just yet.

I’m going to add those few scenes in, edit and update a few problems that the manuscript had, and then hopefully release the book in the next two days. My goal is day 8 or 9 (depending on how much writing I can get done) to officially have the book go live. In the meantime, I have A LOT of fixes to get started on.

I think this means I still technically completed the challenge, and I’m hoping the book is going to go live on Amazon in the next few days, so keep an eye out for an official announcement!

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Writing

Hard hats & mixed signals | a 7 day romance book

I cannot believe I am officially saying this, but I have FINISHED writing my romance book – Hard Hats & Mixed Signals. I am looking forward to doing edits for a full day tomorrow, and a half day the next if I still need it. Normally, I would do multiple self edited drafts of a novel, but due to the nature of this challenge, we aren’t doing that. Instead,

Now, you get to have an EXCLUSIVE Blog only cover reveal (a day before everyone else!):

In case you were wondering what the word count is currently, here you go:

Tomorrow, we go into editing mode, and see if ProWritingAid is worth it or not. See you then!

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Book Reviews Books

Wes and Addie Had Their Chance: A Second-Chance Romance About Timing and What Was Missed

Estimated Reading Time: 8min

Politics, second chance romance, and some pretty hurt feelings and small town feels.. this was a big one and we get to see some of our favs sneaking in here and there along the way from Adelaide Springs.

Wes and Addie Had Their Chance

turner

Wes left Addie at the altar two decades ago . . . and that was supposed to be the end of the story. When her life crashes and burns in a flurry of secrets and redacted information, Addie Atwater-Elwyn hightails it home to the tiny mountain town of Adelaide Springs, Colorado–back to living with her dad, back to working a low-paying job, back to a life of disappointments. Growing up, nobody expected their local girl to become a high-ranking CIA analyst, married to a gorgeous CIA operative. But that was Addie’s life until she lost . . . well, everything.

Now she’s trying to pick up the pieces of her broken life with a little help from old friends. But there’s one old friend she knows her life is better without–Wesley Hobbes, her childhood sweetheart who left her standing at the altar when they were eighteen years old. Truth be told, Addie would be perfectly content never seeing Wes’s stupid face ever again–which makes it very inconvenient that he’s now a beloved senator and presidential frontrunner, his face everywhere she looks. But that has nothing to do with Addie personally. He might make history, but in her book, he is history.

So, when the unwelcome Wes appears back in their hometown, no one rolls out the red carpet–not Addie and not an entire town that was forced to pick sides (and unanimously chose Addie) decades ago. Senator Hobbes certainly won’t win the popular vote in Adelaide Springs.

Grab the book Here

Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Grief, Abandonment
Moderate: Death, Addiction, Outing
Minor: Death of a Parent

My Review

There was a lot to like in this book, and I found the character of Wes to be really fun to read. There was a lot of elements going on, like the CIA, presidential candidate, being left at the altar, second chance romance, death of a spouse, alcoholism, fake marriage, and so much more. It was a lot packed into one story. There was also a small town romance, And links to the characters we saw in the first few books of this town. I didn’t love these characters as much as the previous, however Wes really was a great character. He was interesting, a little bit sloppy and crazy, but we love him for it. Addie was an interesting one for me, I am not 100% sure on how I feel about her. I understood her motivations, she was pretty well written, but as a character I didn’t really engage with her. I bought their story, I bought what happened in the plot when we came into it, but I really came to the story for Wes.
While this was printed under a predominantly Christian publisher, I wouldn’t call this book a Christian book. A lot of Bethany‘s earlier books would have an easier time being labelled as that, but a lot of her later books are not. There was one very small reference and in passing to Jesus in here, but if you are looking for what made her earlier books so great in the Christian space, you won’t get it here. In fact you won’t get it in this entire entire series. Not that I mind necessarily, I did feel like this book had a little bit of a sellout vibe to it though. I understand it’s a story that Bethany wanted to write for a very long time, so I understand if she had to do what she had to do to get this written, or she could’ve wanted the story to look like this the whole time. It doesn’t really matter, it was still a good book.
I liked the idea of the presidential campaign in the background, but it really wasn’t the focus of the book. There was even death of a parent to focus on, and a lot to try and pin down. I think perhaps that’s why some of this fell a little less than I was hoping for, because it was just so much jam packed into one story.

Would I Recommend This Book?

Yes, so long as politics doesn’t mess you up from enjoying something (just pretend they’re in your political party and you’ll be fine).

Similar Books You Might Like

If you are thinking what kind of books would have similar feel, themes or content, here is a list that you can consider:

  • Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other (Bethany Turner)
  • Second First Impressions (Sally Thorne)
  • When in Rome (Sarah Adams)

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Book Reviews Books Booktok/Booktube

Just Friends Was Just Fine by Haley Phame: Why This Book Felt Different Than Expected

Estimated Reading Time: 3min

The ‘friend zone’ is something that is often seen as less than ideal, especially when you might have broken up due to a misunderstanding, like being on a break…

Just Friends is a second chance romance and childhood friends to lovers story, which looks at two young adults who had been together in school, and are reconnecting when the FMC (Female Main Character) returns to the small town full of rich people, including her ill great aunt.

This book has the added challenge of being written by someone quite well known in the online book space, Haley Pham. This meant that she was going to be facing extra support, but also extra scrutiny from the bookish community. Boy, did she ever.

Just Friends

pham

Blair and Declan were inseparable growing up—best friends who knew each other better than anyone else. But when an impulsive kiss took them from friends to something more, everything changed. Just as quickly as their romance started, one moment shattered it all, leaving them with nothing but heartbreak and silence.

Now, four years later, Blair is back in their coastal hometown of Seabrook to support her mom and care for her great-aunt Lottie as her health declines. To make ends meet, Blair applies to work at a coffee shop—only to discover it’s managed by none other than Declan. The boy she loved. The boy she lost. The boy who still makes her heart race.

As Blair’s path keeps crossing with Declan’s, old wounds resurface, secrets are revealed, and sparks reignite. But could their future ever be free of their past?

Told in dual timelines that unravel the magic and pain of first love, Just Friends is a moving, romantic story about second chances, the weight of dreams, and finding your way back to the people who feel like home.

Grab the book Here

Content Warnings

There is a heavy dose of grief and death in this one. Quite a substantial death for one of our characters occurs. There is also discussions of a traumatic car accident discussed.

My Review

Aside from a few words or sentences that felt unusual or out of place, I thought this book was well written and pretty good.
There wasn’t anything that felt particularly original, but it was still an enjoyable read overall.
The characters were pretty Meh, but I understood their motives and decisions for the most part. I liked the ending as well.

Would I Recommend This Book?

While this book was readable, it was also pretty bland. If you’re looking for something interesting, with a high engagement and depth in plot… this isn’t it.

BUT, if you want something that is easy to read (but pay attention to the content warnings if things like grief trigger you), was perfectly acceptable as a story.. this would be it.

So, would I recommend it? Sure. Depending on your expectations and desires.

Similar Books You Might Like

If you are thinking what kind of books would have similar feel, themes or content, here is a list that you can consider:

  • Better Than The Movies (Lynn Painter)
  • The Summer I Turned Pretty (Jenny Han)
  • Tweet Cute (Emma Lord)
  • People We Meet On Vacation (Emily Henry)

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Writing

I’m Writing a Romance book in a week… am i crazy?

I have read some of the books that seem slapped together in a weekend and thrown up onto Amazon KDP and thought, “I could do that”. So, I’m testing that theory. I have prepped up a book, outlined and ready to write, and I’m going to try and get that puppy written, edited and ‘published’ to Amazon as an eBook in just 7 days.

I have given myself around 4 days to write, 2 days to edit, and one day to publish. This challenge is a hard one, but I’m hoping the extensive outline will help me to fast track things as much as possible and get down to business! I just need to hit around 12-15 thousand words a day… haha! Yep, it’s a cinch, right?

I’m writing a small town romance that will be a clean/closed door slow burn that involves a bit of crime and mystery as well, so I’m pretty excited!

I’ll keep you updated all week this week to check in, keep myself accountable and basically just document the process.

I am really curious to see what happens if I succeed in this challenge. Will the book be read? Can I actually get enough traction to write a few more in a series and hope that somebody reads any of them? Only time will tell, but first, we have to actually write this thing and get it up live.

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace

Categories
Book Reviews Books Booktok/Booktube

BookTok With No Rules (Final Part): The Last Batch That Actually Surprised Me

Estimated Reading Time: 5min

Alright, last one’s the one that sticks. There have been some really fun discoveries, some confirmations that books are not for me (and warnings should be heeded), but ultimately, the experiment is coming to a close with some of the most interesting options… let’s go!

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

I read this in one sitting. It was so easy to get through and so much fun to watch the plot unfold. The holiday feel, along with the arguing fake dating/married, as well as emotional turmoil thrown in was a great combination. I was hooked and enjoyed the ride.
I don’t usually Like miscommunication but felt it made sense in this story. I thought some of Ethan’s progress was slow and clunky at times, but since we didn’t really see his POV I was okay with shrugging that off and excusing some things as seeing through only Olives eyes.
The obligatory “third act break up” moment felt earned due to the stakes and it didn’t annoy me as much as the ones that don’t seem to flow with the story or character growth. It felt like a natural progression of what was happening in the story, rather than a plot device. Hooray🥳
Flirty and fun, along with emotional drama… what else can you ask for?

Grab the book Here

The Will of the Many by James Islington

This was a long one. Almost 700 pages long. I honestly thought there was no way a story needed to be that long, but when you consider that there were around 3 different stories crammed into one world, time and setting, it made sense. It was well written, the magic system and world building was very good, and I enjoyed the varying characters. I do think if the books were split into more, rather than cram this much into so few, it would have been easier to consume. Having said that, lots of books out there exist that are longer than this, and it is the first extremely long book I’ve read.
With a bit of scouting on the follow up book, I’m not sure what to think of where this story is going, but I am intrigued.

Grab the book Here

Just Friends by Haley Pham

Just to clarify why this book is on the list. It’s not because there were content warnings that would have stopped me from reading it, but more that it came from a Booktoker (who I liked) and I didn’t know what that would mean for the writing.

Aside from a few words or sentences that felt unusual or out of place, I thought this book was well written and pretty good.
There wasnt anything that felt particularly original, but it was still an enjoyable read overall.
The characters were pretty Meh, but I understood their motives and decisions for the most part. I liked the ending as well.

Grab the book Here

The Fine Print by Lauren Asher

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Grumpy sunshine with a Disney park type background was really fun.
I thought the character development was pretty well done. The plot thread in the other brothers in a way that I am excited for their stories.

Spicier than I would normally go for, but I zoomed past those bits and what I was left with was an incredibly uptight and annoying guy who is enchanted by a sunshine bubbly woman. I liked the push-pull of it.

Grab the book Here

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Stopped about 1/4 through.
I was not enjoying this at all. Every book written in this time period especially ones that focus on women as main characters, Is super pessimistic and negative. People were actually still happy in the 50s and 60s. Everything was marred by sexism, feminism, Racism etc.
Elizabeth and Calvin did nothing but lie to each other and keep secrets from each other. I don’t even know why they were together in the first place.
Rowing seemed random and didn’t have a place in the story except for the author just to talk about rowing.
There were point of view breaks but for some reason we didn’t often change point. Breaks usually signify time period changing or a point of view changing, but mostly it just felt random and Didn’t really Have a purpose that I could see.
We don’t know why we got the point of view of a dog, but we did.
There was a very pessimistic opinion of Christians in this book, even though not all Christians are bad. Christians did a lot for the world that was good, This book was intent on deciding that God and Christians were not a good thing.
Finally, I came looking for a book about a scientist who did a cooking show and made that work for her, I was still waiting for that story.

Grab the book Here

Every time I’ve done one of these challenges, I have been surprised. Am I sad that there are books with content warnings that I’m never going to read? Yes. Am I also happy to stick to my boundaries with reading again? Also yes. I will say though, I might start letting a book slide here and there if the story sounds irresistible 🙂

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace